I haven’t done it, but if you read the old bee books (like CC Miller who lived in Ohio 100 years ago) you will get lots of valuable insight. I can’t recall the exact temp CC Miller found to be optimal, but I believe it was in the 45 to 50F range. You need total darkness (according to the old books) to be successful wintering indoors. “Optimal” for CC Miller was survival rate AND minimum honey consumption. He did state in his book that bees have a better survival rate at warmer temps (65F?), but they consumed more honey at those temps. So what temp would be optimal for a modern beek might depend upon what he/she is more concerned with: living bees come spring, or minimum honey consumption?

1st year feral colony, SHB, moth survivor, stores questionable, long as the queen makes it I'm happy. I was thinking 45-47. My basement is too warm. Wish I had a barn. Might have to get creative. :)Cheers,Drew

Make sure you spray the dry sugar with water to clump it. The bees will haul it out as trash if left dry.Brick recipe5lb sugar2 cups water1 tablespoon white vinegarHeat water and vinegar to boilAdd sugar and heat to 242 degrees Let cool to under 200 degreesStir till opaque, and pour into mold of choiceprobably takes about 20 minutes to make.